The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner Review
Sarah Penner’s novel, “The London Séance Society,” is a gripping tale that blends history, mystery, and the supernatural. Set in Victorian England, the story follows the fortunes of a group of enterprising women who set out to expose the fraudulent practices of spiritualists, mediums, and séance leaders who have been exploiting the vulnerable and grieving for their own gain.
But as the women delve deeper into their investigation, they find themselves drawn into a web of secrets, lies, and dark forces that threaten to destroy them all. In this blog post, we will explore the themes, characters, and plot twists that make “The London Séance Society” a must-read for fans of historical fiction and the paranormal.
The London Seance Society Book Description:
From the author of the sensational bestseller The Lost Apothecary comes a spellbinding tale about two daring women who hunt for truth and justice in the difficult art of conjuring the dead.
1873. At an abandoned château on the outskirts of Paris, a dark séance is about to occur, led by acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire. Known worldwide for her talent in conjuring the spirits of murder victims to ascertain the identities of the people who killed them, she is highly sought after by widows and investigators alike.
Lenna Wickes has come to Paris to find answers about her sister’s death, but to do so, she must embrace the unknown and overcome her own logic-driven bias against the occult. When Vaudeline is beckoned to England to solve a high-profile murder, Lenna accompanies her as an understudy. But as the women team up with the powerful men of London’s exclusive Séance Society to solve the mystery, they begin to suspect that they are not merely out to solve a crime, but perhaps entangled in one themselves…
The London Seance Society Short Summary:
In Sarah Penner’s novel, “The London Séance Society,” readers are transported to the Victorian era where Lenna Wickes, a woman grieving the loss of her sister Evie, travels to Paris to study under a renowned medium, Vaudeline D’Allaire. Despite her initial skepticism, Lenna is willing to do anything to reconnect with her deceased sister and bring justice to her untimely death.
Back in London, Mr. Morley, Vice President of the London Séance Society, is also seeking justice for the murder of the society’s president, Mr. Volckman. The two deaths occur on the same night, and Morley believes there may be a connection. He enlists Vaudeline’s help, and Lenna accompanies her to London where they attempt to summon the spirits of the deceased for answers.
The story is told from two perspectives, Lenna in the third person and Morley in the first. Penner weaves together history, mystery, and the supernatural in this gripping tale that explores the power of grief, loss, and the lengths to which people will go to find justice and closure. Will Lenna and Morley’s pursuit for answers lead them to the truth? Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow the twists and turns of “The London Séance Society.”
Our Thoughts on the book :
As a fan of historical fiction set in Victorian London, I was immediately drawn to “The London Séance Society” for its intriguing blend of supernatural and spiritualism. While the story may start out slow, it quickly picks up pace as we follow Lenna on her quest for the truth about her sister’s murder and the secrets lurking within the London Séance Society. This atmospheric tale kept me engaged and on edge, culminating in a satisfying and well-crafted conclusion that left me thoroughly satisfied. I highly recommend this suspenseful read and give it a solid 4-star rating.
Sarah Penner’s evocative prose brings the gothic Victorian setting to life, with a gripping mystery that will keep you flipping pages well into the night. It’s no surprise that “The London Séance Society” is another bestseller for Penner, whose talent for exquisite storytelling shines through in every chapter.
